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Hello, and welcome to our last monthly newsletter of 2024!
Can you hear the jingle of sleigh bells in the air yet? With the Christmas break only days away, we're preparing to bid farewell to an action-packed 2024 with a week of rest and relaxation (and let's be honest - maybe a few too many chocolatey treats courtesy of Manchester's Christmas markets!)
While we're lucky enough to be looking forward to festive celebrations, Christmas is not always a happy time for everyone in our community.
For those struggling with digital exclusion, the Christmas period can present additional challenges. With heightened financial pressures, families can struggle to justify the costs of Internet connectivity while attempting to preserve the magic of Christmas for their children on top of necessities such as food and heating. For those already feeling isolated, Christmas can be a reminder of what they are missing out on, with lack of online access making communication with family and friends more difficult. As the demand for support increases over the Winter period, people in need of help who are unable to navigate online services can find themselves further marginalised.
Each year, thousands of laptops, tablets and phones are given as gifts. But what happens to our old devices? According to a 2019 study by the Royal Society of Chemistry, over 40 million are left languishing in homes and offices across the UK!
If you tear the wrapping off the presents beneath your tree this year to discover a shiny new device, consider donating the old model to Community Computers. The IT recycling charity empowers vulnerable people across Manchester to access the benefits of the online world through providing high-quality refurbished businesses devices at subsidised or zero cost.
Your old device could be used to support a child to succeed in school, help an elderly person to find connection in their community, or empower a family struggling with poverty to access support to change their circumstances. What better present could you give this Christmas than the gift of connectivity?
In this month's newsletter, we're also reflecting on our International Digital Rights Days celebrations; sharing successes from our collaboration with the Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network; and highlighting the incredible work of our Digital Inclusion team in helping more people across Greater Manchester get online.
Happy reading, and we'll see you in 2025 - with a brand new Digital Strategy delivery plan!
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Last week, we were proud to join cities from all over the world in celebrating the first ever International Digital Rights Days on the 10th and 11th December.
A worldwide campaign by the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights, International Digital Rights Days highlight the actions we can take to safeguard human right online and ensure that digital experiences are safe, inclusive, and equitable for all.
We've been privileged to speak with some of Manchester’s leading figures in digital inclusion, AI and systems change about what digital rights means to them, and the actions that we can take as a city to make sure that our human rights are protected online.
To catch up on what you might have missed, we've collated our articles, interviews, and videos exploring why digital rights should matter to everyone:
As technology continues to advance, it's more important than ever that we work together to ensure that digital technologies to uphold the fundamental rights to which we're all entitled.
Head over to the Cities Coalition for Digital Rights to learn more about how you can become a part of a historic movement to protect human rights online - and make sure to join us again this time next year!
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How can we drive forward approaches to AI that prioritise human ideals, values and participation?
The Co-operative Councils’ Innovation Network unites local authorities committed to improving ways of working with and for their communities. By reclaiming traditions of civic empowerment, the CCIN aims to deliver innovative programs that affect positive social change, in partnership with local people.
We're proud to have joined local authorities from across the UK in shaping the development of a new guidance framework supporting organisations to assess the benefits and risks of potential applications of AI, ensuring that AI is embedded ethically, responsibly, and with consideration for human needs.
To find out more about the Co-Operative Values Driven AI framework, developed in partnership with Wigan Council and public sector consultancy company Mutual Ventures, join the project team for a free webinar exploring the framework, its practical applications, and the ethical principles underpinning its design.
By ensuring that AI is developed and deployed with consideration for the needs of people, we can build a future where technology serves humanity - and not the other way round.
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The last few years have been challenging for many small businesses, with instability, rising costs and economic uncertainty intensifying existing pressures.
In November, we were excited to attend the launch of the second phase of Open SME, an online learning platform developed by Greater Manchester's four universities, providing SMEs with the practical resources needed to start, scale and thrive.
Open SME aims to remove barriers to participation by offering a suite of online courses that are free, self-paced and always accessible, enabling SMEs to engage with learning and development opportunities without disrupting the everyday demands of their business.
At Manchester's Digital Strategy, we believe that nurturing SMEs is essential for the growth of an inclusive innovation ecosystem. Initiatives like Open SME are vital to building the small business community and ensuring that more SMEs have access to the tools and resources to be successful.
To discover how the programme is supporting more businesses to succeed, or explore the range of resources available, head over to the Open SME website by clicking on the link below.
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Tech Sector Insights Survey
Our friends at Manchester Digital are transforming their flagship Digital Skills Audit into a deeper, more comprehensive Sector Insights Report for 2025.
Research will combine surveys and discussions with tech employers across Greater Manchester to capture the real challenges and opportunities in the region, focusing on key themes like Infrastructure, Business Confidence, Growth and Innovation, Diversity, and People and Skills.
It's hoped that the findings will drive local, regional, and national strategies and guide actionable change for the tech sector.
To ensure the voices shaping their Sector Insights Report are as diverse and representative as possible, Manchester Digital is appealing to tech businesses across Greater Manchester to share their views.
By completing these surveys, you’ll help Manchester Digital to gather the insights needed to shape Greater Manchester’s tech landscape and future and guide local and national priorities. You'll also have the chance to win a £200 one4all or Amazon voucher, or a £200 donation to the charity of your choice!
Surveys close on the 6th January, with insights to be revealed at the Digital Skills Feast, a feature event of the 2025 Digital Skills Festival.
Have your say before it's too late by clicking on the link below!
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Digital Inclusion Good News
The National Databank provides free mobile data, texts and minutes to those who need it most.
For people struggling with data poverty, access to free mobile data can be transformative, opening up access to education, employment opportunities, and vital services.
To connect more people in Manchester with the essential resources they need to get online, our incredible Let's Get Digital team were proud to support Virgin Media O2's pop-up SIM card giveaway at Manchester Central Library.
Developed in partnership with the Good Things Foundation, O2, and Greater Manchester Combined Authority, the sessions offered residents on low income and at risk of digital exclusion the opportunity to access free SIM cards and receive support to develop the basic online skills needed access the Internet safely.
To find out more about how the National Databank is helping more people in the UK to benefit from Internet connectivity, or to become a part of the National Digital Inclusion Network, head over to Good Things Foundation website!
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Every month, we'll be sharing updates, news, and opportunities from the Digital Strategy Team, our partners, and the wider digital ecosystem. Whether you're interested in collaborating, have questions, or simply want to learn more about our ambitious vision for Manchester's digital future, we'd love to hear from you!
Find out about the different ways you can reach us below:
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